The Guardian Science

Millions of stars light up largest and most detailed shot of Milky Way’s centre

The glittering image, taken by the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope, heralds a new age of planetary discoveryThe dazzling sight of more than 60m stars at the heart of Earth’s galaxy has been captured by a space telescope designed to reveal the mysterious dark forces that shape the universe.Astronomers used the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope to capture the largest, most detailed image ever taken of the visible light pouring from the centre of the Milky Way. The telescope’s camer

science  Jun 24, 2026

Science Daily

Early humans were bringing fire into caves 1.8 million years ago

A new study suggests early humans were using fire in South Africa’s Wonderwerk Cave as far back as 1.79 million years ago. Researchers found burned bones deep inside the cave, where natural wildfires could not have reached, indicating that fire was likely carried in and maintained by human ancestors. The discovery pushes back the timeline for fire use and reveals surprisingly sophisticated behavior long before humans could create fire on demand.

science  Jun 24, 2026

Science Daily

New superconducting X-ray detector is up to 1,000 times more sensitive

A groundbreaking superconducting X-ray spectrometer has begun operation at BESSY II, giving Europe its first TES-based system and boosting photon detection efficiency by up to 1,000 times. The advance enables scientists to explore atomically thin materials, nanostructures, and ultra-dilute samples with remarkable speed and sensitivity.

science  Jun 24, 2026

The Guardian Science

Could mountains be key to unlocking hydrogen’s potential?

Researchers assessed likelihood gas was produced during creation of Alps, Pyrenees and Baetic mountainsHydrogen gas is anticipated to play a central role in phasing out fossil fuels, particularly in industries that are proving more challenging to decarbonise, such as chemical production, shipping and steelmaking. But producing hydrogen synthetically is energy intensive and costly. In order for the hydrogen economy to take off, we need to find reliable natural sources of this gas. Could it be hid

science  Jun 24, 2026

Science Daily

Study challenges a common belief about vitamin D and sunlight

A study of nearly 300 people across northern Britain found that vitamin D levels often stay low all year in groups most at risk. Surprisingly, summer sunshine did not significantly boost vitamin D levels among older adults or people from minoritized ethnic backgrounds.

science  Jun 24, 2026

NASA News

Curiosity Blog, Sols 4927–4933: Let’s Drive to That Smooth Area

By Susanne P. Schwenzer, Professor of Planetary Mineralogy at The Open University, UK Earth planning date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 In the area Curiosity is currently exploring, the science team has mapped several areas with different-looking surface texture on the orbital images. If you wanted to have a look yourself at what there is to […]

science  Jun 24, 2026

NASA News

Playing the Moon Game 

Apollo astronauts previewed their roles as lunar field geologists in Alaska’s Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

science  Jun 24, 2026

Science Daily

One tiny mutation may explain how bat viruses become human threats

Scientists found that one tiny genetic change can completely alter how a coronavirus behaves in different species. Comparing SARS-CoV-2 with a closely related bat-only virus, they showed that a single amino-acid difference affects whether the immune system fights back or gets suppressed. This may help explain how some animal viruses make the leap to humans and become far more dangerous.

science  Jun 24, 2026

NASA News

NASA Names Sean Gallagher as Chief Information Officer

NASA has selected Sean Gallagher as the agency’s chief information officer (CIO). In this role, he is responsible for the agency’s entire portfolio of Information Technology products and services. Gallagher has been serving in an acting capacity since January and his permanent role is effective immediately. “Sean Gallagher’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening NASA’s […]

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

CSDA Selects Eight Commercial Satellite Data Providers for On-Ramp 2 Contract Awards

Eight commercial data providers received contracts to provide a range of data in support of NASA’s Earth science priorities.

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

58th Girl Scouts Unite Event

58th Girl Scouts Unite Event, July 23-25, 2026 Join NASA in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #206) for Hyperwall Storytelling by NASA experts. Full Hyperwall Agenda below. Thursday, July 23 11:00AM – 11:15 AMFrom Daisy to NASA EngineerBarbara Hilton11:15AM – 11:30 AMExploring Mars, The Planet Next DoorLindsay Hays11:30AM – 11:45 AMGet Ready With Me: Going to […]

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

2026 ALA Hyperwall Schedule

American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, June 25-29, 2026 Join NASA in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #2243) for Hyperwall Storytelling by NASA experts. Full Hyperwall Agenda below. FRIDAY, JUNE 26 SATURDAY, JUNE 27 SUNDAY, JUNE 28 MONDAY, JUNE 29

science  Jun 23, 2026

The Guardian Science

A scientist says he can scan prisoners’ brains for signs of evil. Did his disputed science put a man on death row?

Kent Kiehl convinced the US legal system he can find violence in prisoners’ brains. His theories have been since used by defense lawyers – with grave consequences for prisoners Continue reading...

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

This is How NASA Flight Tests New Technology

Flight tests are a big part of how NASA turns breakthrough ideas into reality. From flying humans faster than the speed of sound to proving designs that helped shape the space shuttle, flight testing transforms bold concepts into safer, more efficient technologies that benefit the public. “Flight tests are a way to safely and effectively […]

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

Hanging in the Balance

The Moon appears half-illuminated in this photo captured by the Artemis II crew on flight day 6. The terminator – the difference between light and darkness – provides a stark contrast and even greater perspective of the Moon’s rocky, uneven, and otherworldly surface features. The near side, which is what we can see from Earth, […]

science  Jun 23, 2026

Science Daily

The tea in your kombucha changes more than just the taste

Scientists discovered that kombucha’s flavor, chemistry, and antioxidant activity vary dramatically depending on the tea used to make it. Green and oolong tea kombuchas emerged as the most biologically active, while fermentation transformed each tea into a distinctly different beverage.

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

ARMD Research Solicitations (Updated June 23)

THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED ON JUNE 23, 2026 This Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) solicitations page compiles the opportunities to collaborate with NASA’s aeronautical innovators and/or contribute to their research to enable new and improved air transportation systems. Most opportunities to participate in research are officially announced through the Web-based NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated […]

science  Jun 23, 2026

Science Daily

A rare interstellar visitor triggered a SETI search for alien technology

SETI scientists searched the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS for radio signals that could indicate extraterrestrial technology but found nothing beyond human-made interference. Even so, the rapid-response observations helped confirm the object's natural origin and showcased how future interstellar visitors can be investigated for signs of intelligent life.

science  Jun 23, 2026

Science Daily

Scientists finally solved how H5N1 bird flu hid in dairy cows

Researchers uncovered why H5N1 bird flu attacks cows’ udders instead of their lungs: the virus’s preferred receptors are concentrated in mammary tissue. The breakthrough could help scientists predict future bird flu jumps and spot unusual infections before they spread widely.

science  Jun 23, 2026

NASA News

I Am Artemis: Jason Peterson

Jason Peterson’s responsibilities for NASA’s Artemis II mission went beyond his usual role as the range operations manager at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Peterson credits his military experience with preparing him for the 12-to-16-hour workdays that helped bring the Artemis II test flight around the Moon and into view for audiences around the world.

science  Jun 23, 2026